Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United transfer: price tag, Erling Haaland comparisons, deal update

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Benjamin Sesko. over recent days.

Much of the transfer conversations surround Cristiano Ronaldo currently, amid uncertainty over the Portuguese superstar’s future at Old Trafford.

United may need even more than they thought should Ronaldo depart, and they may not have managed the progress they will have wanted in the window so far.

But there is plenty of time remaining in the summer window, and here we take a look at the latest surrounding the potential signing of Sesko.

Who is Sesko?

Sesko is a 19-year-old Slovenian striker who currently plays for RB Salzburg.

He graduated for the Austrian club’s senior squad in 2019 and he has scored six goals since in 26 league appearances.

During that time, he has also spent time on loan at FC Liefering, scoring 22 goals in 44 league appearances.

Sesko is already a Slovenia senior international, scoring twice in 13 international appearances.

He stands at 6ft 4in, but he is a slight figure, very skillful with his feet.

Latest report

United have been linked with a move for RB Salzburg forward Sesko this summer, but whether they move for him could depend on the Ronaldo situation.

Providing the latest on the deal, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano told The United Stand: “Let’s see what happens with the negotiations, because at the moment, from what I’m told, it is not an imminent deal.

“It is not an advanced deal because of Cristiano – so they need to clarify this Cristiano issue as soon as possible and then to decide on the striker.

“But Sesko is one of the players appreciated and could be an option.

“There is a point – it’s about Red Bull Salzburg, because from what I’m told, they had no plan to sell Sesko this summer.

“Their original plan was to sell the player in summer 2023 for a different price, because this summer, I think it will be difficult to sign him for less than £55-60m – this could be the price tag, so not an easy one.

“Then, when you have Man United jumping into the race, maybe the club can change their position or the player also, because we know that Man United, of course, you’re attractive for a player like Sesko, and so I think it is matter of days to understand if Man United will decide to jump into it or not.

“They consider Sesko a top talent; a player who could be Man United-level in a few months or maybe years.

“But we have to wait for Cristiano to understand if Man United will decide to jump into it or not.”

What Sesko has said

Sesko hasn’t spoken about a transfer, but he has spoken about just how highly-rated he is.

He has said: “Such comparisons (to Erling Haaland) motivate me and give me energy.

“They do not represent pressure. I will listen and learn so I can be even better than he is. My team-mates at the club tell me that Haaland and I are very similar, especially in terms of speed. Most of them even tell me that I’m better than him!”